FORTALEZA, Brazil -- Forward Mario Balotelli will miss Italys semifinal vs. Spain in the Confederations Cup due to a strained thigh, handing the team another major injury complication before facing the World Cup holder. The Italian Football Federation made the announcement Sunday following medical tests on Balotellis left quadriceps. The injury occurred during Italys 4-2 loss to Brazil on Saturday. The federation said that Balotelli would continue to be monitored in the hope that he can return for Italys next match -- either the final or the third-place game. Italy faces Spain on Thursday then the final and third-place games are scheduled for June 30. Balotelli has been the Azzurris most explosive player in the tournament so far. He scored the winner in Italys 2-1 victory over Mexico, converted a penalty in the 4-3 win over Japan and set up a goal for Emanuele Giaccherini in the loss to Brazil. Also, Balotelli has started as Italys lone true forward in each match thus far. Alberto Gilardino would seem to be the logical replacement if Italy coach Cesare Prandelli sticks with the single-striker lineup. Or he could use several forwards such as Stephan El Shaarawy, Sebastian Giovinco, Alessio Cerci or Alessandro Diamanti. A few other Italy players are also injured. Key playmaker Andrea Pirlo was expected back for the semifinals after missing the Brazil game with a muscle problem although he only performed a brief, light running session Sunday before being accompanied off the practice pitch by team trainers. Also, midfielder Riccardo Montolivo underwent a cerebral scan after a knock to the head against Brazil although the tests were negative. Still, he will be evaluated over the next few days. Meanwhile, fullback Ignazio Abate was sent home after dislocating his right shoulder. Spain routed Italy 4-0 in their last meeting, last years European Championship final.Chris Lindstrom Falcons Jersey . Neymar curled home a free kick from just outside the area to put the 2014 World Cup host ahead in the 44th minute. Three minutes after the break, a simple through pass from Paulinho freed Oscar and the Chelsea star rounded goalkeeper Jung Sung-ryong to extend Brazils lead. Calvin Ridley Youth Jersey . The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling "puts an end to my dreams of being a top player," the 27-year-old Troicki said in a statement. "I worked my entire life for it, and it has been taken away from me in one afternoon by a doctor I didnt know," said Troicki, whose ranking peaked at No. http://www.falconsrookiestore.com/Falcons-Kendall-Sheffield-Jersey/ . Instead of dwelling on the negative, Oates focused on what was good about the clubs recent play. It worked. Kendall Sheffield Falcons Jersey . LOUIS -- Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning beat the St. Deion Sanders Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have placed centre Cody Hodgson on injured reserve and recalled two players from their AHL affiliate in Rochester.ATLANTA -- Oklahoma Citys Russell Westbrook has extended his streak of triple-doubles to six straight games in Atlanta.Westbrooks streak is the NBAs longest since 1989, when Michael Jordan reached double figures in points, rebounds and assists in seven straight games.Westbrook already had 15 points and 11 rebounds when he picked up his 10th assist wwith 6:20 left in the third quarter.dddddddddddd Scooping up a loose ball after a turnover by the home team, Westbrook led a 2-on-1 that ended with a pass to Victor Oladipo for a layup that gave the Thunder a 69-59 lead. ' ' '